Schäfflertanz München

A Dance Every Seven Years

The Schäfflertanz is one of Germany's most extraordinary traditional events. While most folk festivals take place every year, the Schäfflertanz is bound to a seven-year rhythm – the next one after 2026 will not be until 2033. Those who miss it in 2026 will have to wait seven years.

The Plague Legend

According to legend, the tradition began in 1517 – although the first documented mention is not until 1702. In the mid-14th century, Munich was repeatedly struck by the plague, sometimes wiping out a third of the population. When the plague subsided in 1517, the Munich Schäffler (coopers) – a flourishing profession at the time due to the many breweries – are said to have decided to lure the frightened citizens out of their homes with their street dance. They vowed to dance again every seven years as long as the plague did not return. The promise has been kept – to this day.

Costume and Choreography

The Schäffler wear their traditional costume: red jacket, green cap with tassels, white vest, black trousers, and leather apron. With hoops made of woven boxwood branches, they dance a centuries-old choreography with figures such as "Laube" (arbour), "Kreuz" (cross), "Schlange" (snake), and "Krone" (crown). Each performance begins and ends with the Bavarian March of Defile.

Kasperl

Kasperl (the Punch and Judy figure) plays a special role: a humorous element that paints black streaks on the faces of onlookers with a brush – a mark that traditionally brings good luck. Anyone who gets a black streak becomes part of the tradition.

Kick-off on Epiphany

The Schäfflertanz 2026 began on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 (Epiphany) at 2 p.m. in Marienplatz. Mayor Verena Dietl opened the dance with a welcoming speech. Afterwards, the Schäffler paraded through the city for the next six weeks – they danced in public squares, in front of schools, at companies, and at carnival events.

Over 450 Performances

In the six weeks from January 6 to February 17, 2026, the Munich Schäffler completed over 450 performances – a huge undertaking. They danced daily at various locations: Marienplatz, Karlsplatz, Sendlinger Tor, Viktualienmarkt, in front of the Hofbräuhaus, in every district. Schools, hospitals, and companies were also visited – the Schäffler bring their dance to the people, not the other way around.

Conclusion on Shrove Tuesday

The final dance took place on Shrove Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at St. Michael's Church in the pedestrian zone. At the end, the traditional boxwood hoop was broken – the sign of the definitive end of the season. The next performance is not expected until 2033.

Cooperage Today

The cooperage trade (Fassmacher) is almost extinct in Munich – only one workshop remains today. All the more significant is the cultural preservation of the dance as intangible cultural heritage.